Cagrilintide
AM833
Long-acting amylin analogue that targets satiety through a pathway independent of GLP-1.
Class
Amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist
Half-life
~7–8 days (once-weekly dosing)
Evidence
Limited human data
Limited human data
Small open-label studies, case series, or trials in a narrow population. Directionally informative, not conclusive.
Overview
Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic beta cells. It slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon, and signals satiety through the area postrema — overlapping with GLP-1 in outcome but arriving via a distinct receptor system. Cagrilintide is a long-acting analogue built for weekly dosing.
The clinically interesting finding is additivity. Because amylin and GLP-1 act through different receptors, combining them produces more weight loss than either alone. The CagriSema combination (cagrilintide plus semaglutide) reported roughly 22–23% mean weight reduction in phase 2 and phase 3 work, approaching tirzepatide territory.
As a standalone it is less impressive — phase 2 monotherapy produced around 10–11% at 26 weeks. Its real role in the literature is as a combination partner, and it is not approved in any jurisdiction on its own.
How it works
- Agonises amylin receptors (AMY1–3, calcitonin receptor plus RAMP complexes) in the area postrema.
- Slows gastric emptying independently of the GLP-1 pathway.
- Suppresses postprandial glucagon secretion.
- Reduces homeostatic hunger signalling, complementing GLP-1's effect on food reward.
What the research shows
Researched effects
- ~10.8% mean weight reduction at 26 weeks as monotherapy (phase 2, 4.5 mg)
- ~22–23% mean weight reduction combined with semaglutide (CagriSema program)
- Improved glycemic control in combination regimens
- Additive satiety effect with GLP-1 agonists due to non-overlapping receptor pathway
Limitations & what it won't do
- Not approved anywhere as monotherapy or in combination at time of writing.
- Monotherapy efficacy is well below tirzepatide or semaglutide.
- Long-term safety data is limited to phase 2/3 trial duration.
- Research-chemical sourcing carries the usual identity and purity risk.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Phase 2 monotherapy titration (reference only)
0.3 mg → 4.5 mgDoubling every 4 weeks: 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, 4.5 mg. Documented as trial reference, not a recommendation.
Combination arm (with a GLP-1)
2.4 mgCagriSema pairs 2.4 mg cagrilintide with 2.4 mg semaglutide. Combination use compounds GI side effects and should only happen under clinical supervision.
Reconstitution & measuring your dose
Handling
- Typical vial sizes
- 5 · 10 mg
- Suggested BAC water
- 2 mL
- Storage
- Lyophilised powder refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light.
- After reconstitution
- Reconstituted: approximately 28 days refrigerated.
Why 2 mL? A 10 mg vial in 2 mL yields 5 mg/mL — 0.3 mg lands on 6 units and 4.5 mg on 90 units of a U-100 syringe.
Dose calculator
Draw to
6units
= 0.06 mL · 50 mcg per unit
Concentration
5000 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
33
Side effects
Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Injection-site reactions
- Fatigue
Serious / rare
- Severe GI intolerance when combined with a GLP-1
- Gallbladder disease with rapid weight loss
- Hypoglycemia in combination with insulin secretagogues
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
No pregnancy safety data. Absolute contraindication.
- Pancreatitis history
Delayed gastric emptying and rapid weight loss in someone with prior pancreatitis is an unacceptable risk profile.
Use caution if you have
- Gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying
Slowed gastric emptying is a primary mechanism — additive with existing gastroparesis.
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones
Rapid weight loss raises gallstone risk.
- Type 1 diabetes
Amylin analogues have been used in type 1 diabetes (pramlintide) but require careful insulin coordination.
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 (personal or family)
Calcitonin receptor agonism in the context of thyroid C-cell disease is not well characterised — avoid pending clinician review.
Medication interactions
- avoidInsulin — Amylin analogues require insulin dose reduction to avoid severe hypoglycemia — this is prescriber territory.
- avoidSulfonylureas — Additive hypoglycemia risk.
- cautionGLP-1 / GIP agonists — Combination is the studied use case and is additive for efficacy, but GI side effects compound substantially. Clinical supervision only.
- monitorThyroid hormone — Delayed gastric emptying can alter levothyroxine absorption.
What to monitor
- Weight and body composition
- Fasting glucose, particularly if on insulin
- GI tolerability during titration
- Gallbladder symptoms during rapid loss phases
Commonly combined with
References
- Cagrilintide for Weight Management — Phase 2 Randomised TrialThe Lancet 2021;398:2160-2172
- REDEFINE 1 — CagriSema in Adults with Overweight or ObesityNEJM 2025
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
Want to know if Cagrilintide fits your goals and history?
The assessment cross-checks your medical history and medications against this and every other compound before it recommends anything.
Start the assessment